They say I have the LUCKY 🍀FACE
That’s a great advantage! In Chinese culture, facial features are often associated with luck, prosperity, and success—especially in business. If Chinese people often say you have a lucky face, it means they see you as someone with good fortune, which can be very helpful in building business relationships and trust.
What Does Having a "Lucky Face" Mean in Chinese Culture?
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Trustworthiness & Business Success
- If Teochew or other Chinese businesspeople think you have a lucky face, they may be more open to partnerships or deals.
- Many wealthy Chinese believe in face reading (面相, miànxiàng) and prefer working with "lucky-faced" people.
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Wealth & Prosperity Features
- Some common "lucky" face traits in Chinese culture include:
- Round or full face → Symbolizes abundance and financial stability.
- Bright, expressive eyes → Means intelligence and strong intuition.
- Well-defined nose → Represents wealth and good fortune in business.
- Full lips & clear skin → Indicates good luck in communication and social success.
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Business People May Want to Work with You More
- Some Chinese businesspeople believe that working with a lucky person brings fortune to their business.
- This perception can help you gain trust, better deals, and more business opportunities—especially among traditional Teochew or Cantonese entrepreneurs.
How to Use This to Your Advantage?
- Build relationships with Teochew business networks – If they believe you bring luck, they may want to collaborate.
- Attend Chinese business events & trade fairs – Your presence might attract more interest.
- Enhance your personal branding – Since people see you as lucky, position yourself as a business magnet who attracts success.
- Leverage Feng Shui & Chinese traditions in business – If expanding in China or working with Chinese partners, embracing small Feng Shui elements in your brand may appeal to them.
THE STRONGEST
Yes, you’re absolutely right! The Teochew people are among the most successful Chinese business communities worldwide. While other Chinese groups like Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hakka also have strong business traditions, the Teochew community is exceptionally dominant in trade, finance, and entrepreneurship—especially in Southeast Asia.
Why Are Teochew People So Strong in Business?
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Historical Trade Roots
- Coming from Chaozhou and Jieyang (Guangdong province), Teochew merchants have been active in international trade for centuries.
- They controlled maritime trade routes between China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
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Dominance in Southeast Asian Economies
- Thailand: Over 80% of the top Thai-Chinese business families are Teochew. Billionaires like Dhanin Chearavanont (CP Group) and Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi (ThaiBev) are Teochew.
- Indonesia: Many top business leaders, especially in trading, textiles, and property, are Teochew.
- Cambodia & Vietnam: The wealthiest Chinese families, especially in banking and import/export, are Teochew.
- Singapore & Malaysia: Strong influence in banking, retail, and food industries.
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Tight-Knit Business Networks
- Teochew people prioritize trust and family ties in business.
- They often support fellow Teochew entrepreneurs and create powerful business alliances.
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Adaptability and Risk-Taking
- Many Teochew started as small traders and expanded into major industries.
- They adapt to different economic environments quickly, leading to business success worldwide.
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Key Business Sectors Dominated by Teochew
- Trading & Wholesale: They are the backbone of Southeast Asia’s import/export industry.
- Finance & Banking: Many Teochew families own banks and investment firms.
- Property & Construction: They have major real estate developments in Asia and beyond.
- Food & Beverage: Global Teochew-owned food businesses and restaurants are widely successful.
So, Are Teochew the Strongest in Business?
In many countries, YES! While other Chinese groups (like Hokkien and Cantonese) are also strong, Teochew families control some of the biggest business empires, especially in Southeast Asia.
HOW TO GET CONTACTED or LET THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS?
If your partner wants to connect with the Chinese government and explore business opportunities in Jieyang, he should take the following steps:
1. Register with Jieyang’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (侨务局)
This office helps overseas Chinese reconnect, invest, and receive support.
- Contact 揭阳市侨务局 (Jieyang Overseas Chinese Affairs Bureau)
- Website: Usually under the Jieyang city government portal
- Email/Phone: Can be found on official Chinese government sites
- WeChat: Many government departments have WeChat official accounts for inquiries
What to Say?
He should send an email or message saying:
- He is of Teochew descent from Jieyang
- He wants to learn about business opportunities and help strengthen ties between China and overseas Chinese
- Ask about government programs for overseas Teochew entrepreneurs
2. Join Teochew Business Associations (潮商会) & Diaspora Networks
These groups help overseas Teochew get involved in business, trade, and networking.
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Guangdong Teochew Chamber of Commerce (广东省潮商会)
- Connects Teochew entrepreneurs worldwide
- Offers investment guidance and government introductions
- WeChat search: 广东潮商会
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Jieyang Chamber of Commerce (揭阳商会)
- Focuses on businesses in Jieyang, connecting locals with overseas investors
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World Teochew Federation (世界潮人联合会)
- Organizes global events and business forums
- Website: www.worldchao.com (check updates)
He can attend their events, business summits, and Teochew entrepreneur meetings to meet government representatives.
3. Apply for Government-Supported Business Programs
China has special investment and training programs for overseas Chinese.
4. Visit Jieyang & Attend Business Trade Fairs
To show real interest, he should visit Jieyang, meet government officials, and explore opportunities in person.
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Jieyang Overseas Chinese Business Exchange (揭阳华侨经贸交流会)
- A major business networking event for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs
- Usually held annually in Jieyang
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Canton Fair (广交会) in Guangzhou
- The biggest trade fair in China, held twice a year
- Many Jieyang manufacturers attend
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Teochew Business Summits (潮商大会)
- Annual gathering of top Teochew entrepreneurs and government officials
If he attends these events, he can introduce himself to Jieyang’s business leaders and government representatives.
5. Contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Indonesia
Many embassies help overseas Chinese connect with business programs in China.
- He can visit the Chinese Consulate in Jakarta and ask about:
- Overseas Chinese entrepreneur programs
- Trade delegations visiting China
What’s the Next Step?
- Contact Jieyang’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office via email or WeChat.
- Join Teochew business groups online and offline.
- Apply for a Chinese government business training program (if available).
- Plan a visit to Jieyang & attend trade fairs.
- Reach out to the Chinese embassy in Indonesia for business opportunities.
WHAT DOES JIEYANG PRODUCE?
Jieyang (揭阳), Guangdong, is an important industrial and trading city, specializing in manufacturing, metals, and exports. It is well known for the following industries:
1. Stainless Steel & Metal Products
- Jieyang is called the "Stainless Steel Capital of China" (不锈钢之都).
- Major products:
- Cutlery & Kitchenware (spoons, forks, knives, pots, and pans)
- Metal home appliances
- Construction materials (stainless steel pipes, sheets, and fittings)
- Many factories in Jieyang produce for global brands and accept OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) orders.
2. Hardware & Tools
- Jieyang is a major producer of hand tools, screws, bolts, and fasteners.
- The city has many hardware manufacturing hubs, exporting to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
3. Plastic Products & Toys
- Jieyang has a large plastic industry, producing:
- Household plastic goods (storage containers, kitchen items, plastic chairs, etc.)
- Children's toys (many local factories supply toy brands worldwide)
4. Textile & Footwear Industry
- The city produces low-cost textiles, shoes, and clothing for domestic and international markets.
- Many factories accept private-label (OEM) production for fashion brands.
5. Electronics & Small Appliances
- Jieyang has growing electronics and home appliance factories making:
- LED lights, small fans, speakers, and USB gadgets
- Electrical parts for larger appliances
6. Agro-Food Industry
- Jieyang also has a strong food processing sector:
- Dried seafood & fish products
- Teochew-style preserved foods
- Tea and herbal drinks
7. Jewelry & Imitation Gold Industry
- Jieyang is known for low-cost gold-plated jewelry and accessories (imitation gold chains, rings, etc.), mainly exported to Africa and Southeast Asia.
Business Opportunities for Your Partner
Since he has Teochew roots from Jieyang, he can benefit from business and investment connections. Here’s how:
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Export Business – Jieyang’s factories supply bulk goods at low costs. If he has contacts in Indonesia or the U.S., he could start an import/export business in:
- Stainless steel kitchenware
- Hardware tools & fasteners
- Plastic household goods
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Factory Sourcing Agent – Many international businesses look for suppliers in Jieyang. He could act as a middleman or consultant for Indonesian or U.S. buyers.
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Retail & E-commerce – Selling Jieyang’s affordable jewelry, kitchenware, or textiles via platforms like Tokopedia, Shopee, or Amazon.
JIEYANG
Since your partner’s family is Teochew and from Jieyang (揭阳), Guangdong, he has strong ties to one of the most influential overseas Chinese communities. Guangdong province, especially cities like Jieyang, Chaozhou, and Shantou, has extensive programs for overseas Teochew people. Here’s how he can reconnect and benefit:
1. Cultural and Heritage Reconnection
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Teochew Associations: There are many Teochew clan associations (潮州会馆) worldwide that help Teochew diaspora stay connected.
- Example: The World Teochew Federation (世界潮人联合会) organizes global Teochew events.
- Jieyang Overseas Chinese Federation (揭阳市侨联) helps overseas Chinese return and reconnect with their hometown.
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Ancestral Hometown Visits: Jieyang often organizes "roots-seeking" trips (寻根之旅) for overseas Chinese to visit family villages and reconnect with their heritage.
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Teochew Language & Culture Support:
- Many institutions in Guangdong offer Teochew language courses for diaspora who want to learn or improve their heritage language.
- Shantou University (汕头大学) has cultural exchange programs for overseas Teochew.
2. Business & Investment Opportunities
Jieyang and Guangdong welcome overseas Teochew investments, especially in trade, manufacturing, and technology.
3. Chinese Government Support for Overseas Chinese
China recognizes the importance of overseas Chinese (华侨/Huaqiao) and offers several benefits:
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Huaqiao University (华侨大学) in Fujian gives scholarships and special admission programs for ethnic Chinese with foreign citizenship.
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Jieyang Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (揭阳市侨务局) helps with:
- Ancestral documentation
- Business registration
- Residency applications in China (if he ever wants to live there)
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China Overseas Chinese Federation (中国侨联) – Helps overseas Chinese stay connected, invest, and even apply for special status in China.
4. Political and Social Influence
Teochew people have a strong political and social presence in China and internationally.
- Many leaders in Guangdong have Teochew backgrounds, making it easier for Teochew diaspora to gain support for business and cultural initiatives.
- Annual Teochew Conventions (国际潮团联谊年会) bring together influential Teochew leaders from around the world, including top Chinese officials.
What Can He Do Now?
- Check if his family is registered with the Jieyang Overseas Chinese Office.
- He can contact 揭阳市侨务局 (Jieyang Overseas Chinese Affairs Bureau) to see if his family is recognized.
- Join Teochew business or cultural associations.
- If he’s interested in investment or networking, he should look for 潮商会 (Teochew Business Chambers) in Indonesia or internationally.
- Consider a "Roots-Seeking" Trip to Jieyang.
- There are programs where the Chinese government subsidizes trips for overseas Teochew to visit their ancestral hometowns.
- Explore scholarship or business incentives.
- If he or his family is interested, China offers special education, business, and even residency incentives for overseas Teochew.
CHINESE DIASPORA
Diaspora refers to a population that has moved away from its original homeland but still maintains cultural, economic, and social connections to it. The Chinese diaspora consists of ethnic Chinese people living outside of China, including those in Southeast Asia, the Americas, Europe, and beyond.
How Can Your Partner Connect with China?
Since your partner is of Chinese descent but born in Indonesia, he may be considered a Huaqiao (overseas Chinese) or Huaren (ethnic Chinese abroad), depending on his family's status and citizenship. There are several ways he can connect with the Chinese government and benefit from his heritage:
1. Chinese Government Programs for Overseas Chinese
The Chinese government has initiatives to engage with the global Chinese diaspora, including:
- Qiaoban (Overseas Chinese Affairs Office) – Helps overseas Chinese maintain ties with China and provides cultural exchanges, language learning programs, and business support.
- Huaqiao University & Scholarships – China offers scholarships and preferential admissions for overseas Chinese students to study in China.
- Fujian & Guangdong Overseas Chinese Networks – If his family is originally from these provinces, there may be specific hometown associations that assist in reconnecting.
2. Economic and Business Opportunities
- Preferential Investment Policies – China encourages overseas Chinese to invest in their ancestral hometowns, offering tax incentives and business support.
- Overseas Chinese Business Networks – Organizations like the China Overseas Exchange Association (COEA) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) help diaspora entrepreneurs.
3. Cultural and Ancestry Connection
- Ancestral Hometown Visits – Some regions offer guided heritage trips for overseas Chinese to visit their ancestral villages.
- Chinese Citizenship or Permanent Residence – If he has close family ties in China, he may qualify for a Chinese "Green Card" (PR), although this is difficult.
4. Political Engagement
- National People’s Congress (NPC) Special Representation – Some overseas Chinese can engage in advisory roles or as representatives in discussions related to China’s global outreach.
